FR2662047A1 - Inspection hatch with a non-visible shutoff element for gaining access to buried watering systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device making it possible to gain access, without having to dig into the ground, to various elements of a buried watering system in the event of some technical problem, whilst allowing the lawns to retain their initial appearance after the intervention. It consists of a shutoff element (2) in the form of a pot fitting into the shell (1), it includes a sheath (8) allowing the passage of the watering nozzle (3). The space lying between the walls of the shutoff element (2) and of its sheath (8) is filled with earth and then seeded. In the event of any malfunction the shutoff member (2) is taken out and then replaced, the repair being finished. The device according to the invention is particularly intended to be installed when creating lawns or fitted to existing buried watering systems.

Description

 The present invention relates to a non-visible shutter 9 to access buried sprinkler systems, without having to dig the earth, in the event of leaks, malfunction or accidental ruptures.

 To remedy these problems, according to the traditional technique, it is necessary to clear the earth around the sprinkler system to reach the defective element, then to re-plug, then to partially redo the lawn.

 The device according to the invention overcomes these drawbacks. It has a ferrule which isolates the sprinkler system by keeping the soil on the sides, a shutter, also acting as a pot, fits into the free space, it has a sheath with reduction ring allowing passage and maintaining the nozzle by pinking. The void between the walls of the shutter and its sheath is filled with soil and then sown at the same time as the lawn. Simply remove the shutter to access the sprinkler system and replace the visit operation. or maintenance finished and thus to find the lawn intact after the intervention.

 Figure I shows in section the device according to the invention, according to its diameter.

 The dimensions of the device shown in this figure are of the order of 20 and 24 cm respectively for the diameter at the base and at the top, and 22 cm in height.

The walls are only of the order of 0.25 cm, these being counterbalanced by the compacted earth simultaneously on both sides. The elements of the device are made of semi-rigid plastic material which can be cut with a blade. each element can be obtained in a single injection molding operation.

 According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. I and with reference to this, a slightly frustoconical ferrule (I) includes the sprinkler system (3), it comprises at its base a shoulder (4) for supporting the shutter ( 2) as well as a double row of holes (5). Ribs (6) equidistant from the upper part allow, optionally, the cutting of one or more sections for leveling at ground level, the cutting being done above the rib in order to keep the latter as reinforcement. Another rib (9) at the base allows its anchoring in the ground.

 A shutter (2) also acting as a pot, fits without forcing into the shell (I) and is supported on the shoulder (4) provided. Its wall is perforated and the holes (5) correspond to those of the shell (I). They are used to evacuate the water and allow the rising of humidity in the shutter. This shutter (2) has a central sleeve (8) through which the sprinkler system (3) passes. According to a variant not shown, this sheath (8) can be offset from the wall of the shutter (2 to take account of the sprinklers installed at the edge. The shutter (2) and its sheath (8) have ribs (io) at the top like the ferrule (I) in order to adjust their height on it. Two diametrically opposed tabs (II) allow the extraction of the obturator (2).

 A ring (7) reduces the space between the sleeve (8) and the nozzle (3) and maintains the latter, slight notches (I2) immobilize the ring in its housing. A range of rings is necessary to cover the variety of nozzles sold, in order to standardize the outlet diameter of the sleeves.

 During its installation, the device is placed on a base made of gravel, arranged up to the upper level of the pipe (13), which allows the lower connection (I4) to be released later if necessary.

According to a variant not illustrated, the ferrule (I) can be extended under the shoulder (4) for supporting the shutter (2) and have two cutouts according to the diameter, allowing passage of the pipe (in),
The device according to the invention is particularly intended to be installed during the creation of lawns or or adapted on existing buried sprinklers.

Claims (4)

CLAIMS I) Manhole cover not visible to access buried sprinkler systems characterized by a device comprising a ferrule (I) into which is inserted a shutter (2) comprising a sleeve (8) allowing the passage of the sprinkler nozzle (9) and a ring (7) specific to each type of nozzle used.  2) Device according to claim I characterized in that it comprises a shutter (2) receiving the earth making it invisible after sowing.  3) Device according to claim I or claim 2 characterized in that the shutter (2) comprises a sleeve (8) allowing the sprinkler system to pass.  45A device according to claim I or claim 3 characterized in that the sheath (8) comprises at its outlet a ring (7) taken in a range, allowing the use of the various nozzles sold.  5) Device according to claim I characterized in that it comprises a ferrule (I) including the sprinkler system (3) and-now the earth on the sides.  6) Device according to claim I characterized in that the elements (I) (2) and (8) comprise ribs (6) and (IO) delimiting sections which can be sectioned for leveling off at ground level, always having edges formed by a reinforcement rib.